formality

American  

[fawr-mal-i-tee] / fɔrˈmæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

formalities

1. condition or quality of being formal; accordance with required or traditional rules, procedures, etc.; conventionality.

2. rigorously methodical character.

3. strict adherence to established rules and procedures; rigidity.

4. observance of form or ceremony.

5. marked or excessive ceremoniousness.

6. an established order or method of proceeding.

   the formalities of judicial process.

7. a formal act or observance.

   Synonyms:

   ceremony, ritual, rite

8. something done merely or mainly for form's sake; a requirement of custom or etiquette.

   the formality of a thank-you note.

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formality British  

/ fɔːˈmælɪtɪ /

noun

1. a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc

2. the condition or quality of being formal or conventional

3. strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc

4. an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure

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Etymology

Origin of formality

From the Latin word fōrmālitās, dating back to 1525–35. See formal ¹, -ity

Explanation

A formality is something that follows traditional rules. Even though you knew your request for time off at work would be approved, you still went through the formality of filling out all the required paperwork. Formality also means to align with customs or etiquette. In this way, a formality is often something that's more symbolic than necessary. For example, when a big group sits down to eat dinner together, no one starts eating until everyone is served. That formality of dining etiquette is a sign of good manners and consideration for others. If you're British, a formality of your culture is to curtsy or bow when you meet the Queen.

Example Sentences

In rehearsal, Mays fully inhabits his role — and his costume — moving with a lithe formality as he strives to eavesdrop on Mozart and Constanze.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

All that was left was for Frank to be officially informed of his departure - a formality that took place on Wednesday morning in a meeting between the manager, Venkatesham and Lange.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

Like MBS, Crown Prince Fahd had exercised total power, so his succession was a formality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

He described a vote to be held in the House on Tuesday that would approve a Senate-backed deal to reopen the government as little more than a "formality."

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

When she and Lefty became members of his congregation, the old priest had asked, as a formality, if they had received an Orthodox wedding.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• procedure
• red tape
• rite
• ritual